Decoy



June 1929- H. SHERMAN Filed June 18, 1928 Patented June 25, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HARRY E. SHERMAN,

HOUSTON, TEXAS.

DEGOY.

Application filed June 18,

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in a decoy.

One object of the invention is to provide a decoy of the character described which, when not in use, may e readily collapsed so as to occupy small space for Convenience in carrying and so that the same may be more compactly packed for shipment.

Another object of the invention is to provide a collapsible decoy of such construction that when in use it will present a well rounded body, which is life like in form.

A still further feature of the invention is to provide a decoy having a sectional base preferably formed of buoyant material and abody formed of light, durable, flexible material suitably attached to said base.

A still further feature of the invention is to provide a decoy of the character described which is of very simple construction, may be cheaply and easily produced and which may be readily collapsed so as to occupy small space when not in use.

lVith the above and other objects in view the invention has particular relation to certain novel features of construction, arrangement of parts and use an example of which is given in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 shows a side view of the decoy as in use.

Figure 2 shows an end view thereof in collapsed position, and

Figure 3 shows a front end elevation.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, wherein like numerals of reference designate similar parts in each of the figures, the numerals 1, 1 design ate the sections of the base of the decoy. These sections are preferably of an oblong rectangular form and they are disposed in parallel adjacent relation, and are connected by suitable flexible straps 2. Hinges may be used instead of these straps, if desired. This base is preferably, though not necessarily, formed of buoyant material such as wood or other suitable material. These sections form the base of the decoy and they may be held in rigid relation in a common plane by any suitable means provided for the 1928. Serial No. 286,143.

purpose. The means shown for this purpose comprise a latch 3, one end of which is pivoted to the outer edge of one of said sections 1 unoerneath and the other end of this latch is adapted to be engaged with the bracket 4, carried by the outer edge of the other section 1, and disposed underneath said section. The free end of this latch is downwardly turned forming a grip by means of which the latch may be engaged underneath or released from the bracket 4. lVhen the latch is in an engaged position, it will hold the sections of the ease in substantially a horizontal plane as shown in Figure 3, but when released said sections will be permitted to be folded over one .pon the other, as shown in Figure 2.

The sides 6, 6 of the decoy body are preferably formed of a thin, light, flexible material, preferably a tough fabric and the upper edges of these sides may be secured together by suitable ties as 7 or said upper edges may be integrally joined together to form a continuous piece of material. The lower edges 8, 8 of the body are inwardly turned and secured to the upper sides of the respective sections 1, 1 at or near their outer edges. -When so secured to the base the sides 6, 6 will be convexed outwardly when the base sections are secured in a common plane by the latch 3 thus giving the body a more rounded and life like contour as shown in Figures 1 and 3. At the forward end of the decoy the sides are upwardly turned and spaced apart and the neck portion 9, is fitted between said upwardly turned portions and is pivoted on the pin 10. This arrangement permits the head 11 to be swung downwardly within the body portion, as shown in Figure 2, when the decoy is collapsed, and permits said head to assume an upright position when the decoy is in use.

The decoy may be formed to simulate a duck or other fowl, or if desired may be given the appearance of an animal or other wild creature sought to be decoyed.

lVhile I have shown what I now consider to be the obvious that mechanical changes may be made therein and equivalents substituted for the parts shown and I reserve the right to make preferred form of the invention it is 95 such mechanical changes and substitutions as may be found practical Within the scope of the appended claim.

What I claim is:

A decoy having a base formed of buoyant material and composed of sections whose adjacent edges are hingedly connected, a body formed of flexible material, the lower margins of Whose sides are attached to said base, re-

leasable means adapted to hold the base sec- 10 tions in substantially a common plane, said means when released permitting the base sections and sides of the body to fold together into collapsed. position, and a neck and head portion pivotally connected to said body. 15

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

HARRY E. SHERMAN. 

